ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews / 4 Dec) – At least 20 business establishments, mostly market stalls, were ordered closed for operating without business permits and other requirements.
Assistant City Administrator Elmeir Apolinario on Monday said the closure order is effective immediately and would be imposed by a composite team from the offices of the City Administrator, City Legal, City Treasurer, City Health, City Engineer, and City Permits and Licensing Division.
Apolinario said the erring business establishments include stalls at the public market, general merchandise stores, internet cafés and numerous others.
The owners of the establishments have violated City Ordinance 92-008, otherwise known as the Revenue Ordinance, mandates businessmen to secure licenses or permits before operating any business activity, Apolinario said.
Meanwhile, he disclosed that 130 others establishments whose owners found to be delinquent in the payment of fees have been reminded to update their accounts or face sanctions that include closure.
He said the delinquent stall holders have been given a certain period of time to comply with the requirements.
“Closure orders will follow if they continue to disregard the law,” Apolinario said.
“It is their duty and obligation to comply with the law,” he added
The city government had been strictly monitoring all business establishments to ensure they operate legally.
Last June, the city government has ordered the immediate closure of at least 30 business establishments to include restaurants and internet cafés located in the city proper area also for operating without business permits and other requirements. (MindaNews)